(End of 2 BBY) Eriadu: A continued descent...[RaF]

[Kyc'n Mevek]

Continued from Eriadu: A prelude... (the rest located in Archives)

Kyc'n cleared his throat a hand brushing fingers through short-cropped hair as he listened to what Ian had to say. A chuckle actually escaping the dark and brooding demeanor the Force warrior seemed to wear. " You made Vader Porn? " His head shook slowly back and forth; as hand fell away to slap down onto a leather clad knee. Curious as to how the man knew the term Sith figuring he'd have to pick about for that later. When he could find some time away from everyone else and openly ask.

Kuur realizing the situation nodded as dark bulbed eyes rolled towards Kala then he extended the blaster to her slowly butt first. " You take... bad in Kuur's hands. Very not self right now. " He said quietly. " Greetings Ian... I am Kuur. We are no harm. Not unless you are enemy. " He frowned or seemed to as Ian began his typing giving Kala an alarmed look worried he could be perhaps transmitting location seeing the Chiss standing his curiosity shifted until he read what display was passing through all that were present. " Not good... " From human face to human face he seen the changes in reaction; looking to Kyc'n and Kala as if to see if they saw what he was. Even stealing a glance towards Ian.

" What're you doing Zien? " Kyc'n asked pointedly standing up his hand reaching out to the man's shoulder. " We're not supposed to be drawing attention to ourselves. " He said cooly, a slight frown forming as he looked the travelers present over. Many if not most of all them humans. The only non-human sat in the back with her head down tapered ears curled in and hair falling over the side of one pink fleshed face. Very much a submissive posture next to a neatly dressed human with a large nose and harsh eyes.

" Not the place for games friend. " Was all Kyc'n continued forth. Half expecting the unpredictable Chiss he hardly knew to spin and blast his head like he did the 'Imp' Officer.

[Kimimela]

Frustratedly Kimimela let loose a sigh, her charges were late, she hated wasting time, time she could be making money. Staring out from the back of the Theta-class shuttle the Nero-Onyx, she tapped her booted left foot on the ridged floor of her shuttle, dispensing more of her obvious irritation on the matter. After she'd thuroughly scrubbed her ship, Kim had paced the length of the hull for what seemed a good twenty minutes waiting. A few clicks and whirs from Lynk, showed his concern for the situation as the droid rolled up behind her as she now sat impatiently on the peak of the back hatch's slope. One knee to her chest the other leg lazily stretched out down the embankment, Kim stared out at the murky orangeish grey haze that lingered over the majority of the dreary planet Eriadu, hoping to catch sight of the coterie. The hustle and bustle of a usual day in Phelar port the only thing that attracted her voracious need for haste at the moment, as she chewed on a piece of flatbread she'd found in her personal compartment in the ship earlier. Thinking to herself she'd rather be dining on a hot meal with a bottle of Lum beside it, as she chewed the pastey tasteless tack-like bread letting her mind sink farther into a negative appeal about this latest job.

Talking to no one in particular she whispered heatedly under her breath, disdain dripping heavily from her words," I can't believe I agreed to this job, this is the last time I play transport for people. Could be out making a better profit, than sitting here waiting on these trampers.". The clarity of Kimimela's words drifted off into a muffled grumble as Lynk, who'd been listening in on her gripe, chimed in the digital tones of his soothing voice," At least you don't have to wait to eat.". The reminder caused a nod from her head, a few radiant red curls of her hair spilled free of the dark brown hood that draped over her head, she didn't want to hear anything positive at the moment enjoying her rather foul mood. Continuing to chew she finished the last bite by popping it into her mouth, brushing the crumbs from her hands on the pantleg of her extended limb.

Elbow perched daintily on her upraised knee and hand dangling down in front of her midriff, Kim sighed cursing in her mind once more. It wasn't like there really was a set time when she received the message and took the job, though she couldn't stop thinking of the precious time and credits she was losing on this, Kimimela looked towards Lynk over her shoulder, " Should we ask for more credits for waiting?". Lynx clicked a few times in his binary language that translated to a brief, "No.". Even more angered by the fact he was right Kim sighed through her nose with a growl, rose to her feet and proceeded to pace the ship's length, peering out of the back hatch everytime she came near enough to visually scan the port, and the normal activity of a days trading. Watching traders go about their business made her think of money, and added more depth to her vexation.

[Ian]

Quickly he looks at Kala before answering, "Parts, weapons, sensitive material, documents, and other effects. I was going to be doing an engine rebuild and weapons suite upgrade for a local commodities trader. No doubt he felt his wares needed better protection from the criminals both sanctioned or unsanctioned." His voice fades as his mind returns to the task he appointed himself earlier to cull what information he could off the holonet about the planet that he is about to land on.

Taping his data-pad lightly a few more times he finds that the local holonet is easily accessible. A few more taps begins to reveal some disturbing information. Eriadu, the planet he is currently descending to in the bowels of the shuttle, is in possession of an atmosphere that contains an unusually high level of industrial pollutants. Looking over to Kyc'n he shrugs and says, "I didn't make it so much as acquire a copy via the holonet," as he shifts his attention Kuur. He thinks for a moment prior to responding and his weathered face crinkles in lines of thought and concentration. Much could be said at this moment that didn't need to be said, but despite that something very much needed to be said even if it wasn't exactly the right moment to say it.

He slow gathers his thoughts into a speakable form over the space of a few long moments before he carefully speaks to Kuur, "I'm certainly no friend to a person who has pointed a blaster at me twice today. Yet, I'm gathering circumstances were out of your control in this matter and haste was of the prime importance. While I'm not likely to be a forgiving sort automatically I'm sure I will no doubt find away to cope with the events and move past them. Perhaps if the situation were reversed I would have reacted similarly," he says leaving out his inner sentiment that had he been Kuur he would have shut the door of the Engine bay and sealed it. Thus effectively leaving whoever was inside of the Engine Bay to the tender mercies of the Imperial government. Having uttered his sentiments he diverts his attention back to his datapad as a temporary all to brief respite from his current reality.

Looking back down to his data-pad, he finds no relief for the sudden onset of a dark depression. He sullenly begins to mumble random facts pertaining to the atmospheric conditions of Eriadu. No doubt this miserable planet's poorly planned industrial growth had left the air smelling less attractive than the bowel gas of a nerf. For a split second he feels himself become a bit whimsical for the fresh air of Alderaan, and specifically the fresh clean air of the Castle Rock region. Looking down at the data pad he says quietly to himself in his rough Alderaanian accented basic, "It isn't the green hills of the back country," and finishes with a quiet sigh as he lets himself retreat into himself in a depressed black haze. The sort of haze that overcomes a country boy when he finds himself far from home in all sorts of trouble that he didn't wasn't expecting when he rolled out of bed that morning.

[Zien]

Zien kept grinning at the humans, his eyes moving from face to face. Oh how he would so enjoy putting a blaster bolt between the eyes of each and every one of them. He let the vision play completely through his head, his hands yanking the blasters out and doing what he did best. In the next few tense moments he would really make the humans worry as his hands slowly went to the blasters. He could feel Kcy'n's hand on his shoulder and heard his words, and he heard Kala's as well, but was he really listening? Was he letting it all sink in? If he blasted the humans they would be in a world of trouble.

Tapping the butt ends of his blasters he shrugged of Kyc'n's hand and just smiled at the humans. Holding up his finger he pointed at the closest one, "Boom." Winking at him he turned back to the group he was currently with and flashed what they would come to know as his trademark smile and walked back over to his seat next to Kala.

Laughing quietly he dropped back into his seat and slouched down. Placing his hands behind his head he started whistling a tune, like nothing had even happened. Of course he knew wasn't going to blast them from the start, but it was still fun to shock the hell out of them and make them think he was. He wouldn't tell them this, but the thought did enter his mind and he was mad for a little bit, but even as unpredictable as he often was reason still sometimes won out.

[Kyc'n Mevek]

Kyc'n made no noise as the Chiss carried on. Looking about from face to face of those gathered. He didn't need empathy to sense the tension and hostility that had risen up. A turn of his back towards the people of the transport not of their little group and he was leaned against the wall arms folded over his chest.

Zien would become a liability if he carried on with such behaviour. They were in hiding and drawing attention to themselves as the last thing he needed. Lines etched across his forehead with the slight frown he wore listening to the whispers and talking of the Eriaduians being transported back to planet. While those who were obvious outsiders kept their noses clean staying out of the drama at hand.

Kuur seemed to change from a dull green to a darker green perhaps from embaressment or anger one was unable to tell but he tipped his head down sliding his blaster over to Kala. " It is not good what goes on here. Eriadu bad for anyone not human. I will pose as slave... Zien is best to do as well; Eriadu's are humanists... weapons not permitted for non humans with out correct paperwork. " He said this quietly wondering if his voice was even audible beyond them hoping it wasn't but he knew Ian, Kala and ZIen would catch it Kyc'n was perhaps out of ear shot.

The ship began to rock heavily then shiver as sounds of force being applied upon entry made the insides of the vessel creak and groan before utter silence and a few hushed esclaimations from those who were unaccustomed to space travel and the weaker of stomach types.

Eriadu loomed below Phelar Port their destination the key spaceport of Eriadu. Home of the planets main manufacturing facilites and the EPS (Eriadu Planetary Security). A bus hub of transportation it is booming with trade, military forces, smugglers and private organizations with their own agendeas. It is dingy, heavily industrialized with blocky; utilitarian architecture. The launchport they were decdning towards heavily policed by Imperial Stormtroopers. Pollution covering the industrial city-port blotting out the skies as the Transport descended below the toxic fog.

[Ian OShea]

Watches the display from his side of the shuttle without any comments. It is becoming clear to him that the party that started as two is in actuality four individuals. One of them, Zien, is at this moment acting rather odd. As he watches he thinks that it isn't really that odd as they all probably looked somewhat out of place. Their conversations after all had included references to Vader pornography. Conversations that had taken place in the tight confines of the interior of a cargo shuttle that afforded little in the way of privacy.

The poorly hushed words that he had spoken earlier was a indiscretion. One that no doubt would cost himself, and those involved with him, badly needed anonyity. If one thing had been impressed upon him on numerous occasions during his various off duty endeavors discretion and the ability to just blend in with the crowd will save you from prison or worst. He mentally kicks himself for his breach of protocol with his outburst earlier. An outburst that more than likely has been overheard by the other passengers. Passengers with their own independently operating agendas.

Having no established role in this group he decides quickly this is not the time to challenge the status quo. If any actions are needed to be taken, he would leave that up to Kyc'n. For now he will just sit quietly and try not to drawn and further attention to himself. He raises the data-pad in his left hand and begins tapping out words and numbers on the device. With any luck he might just be able to determine if he is a wanted man or not. He almost hopes he will be wanted rather than just eliminated out of hand. The Empire isn't notorious for their respect of the rights of sentient.

[Zien]

Zien had to push to push the envelope he had been like that his whole life, why would now be any different. Zien didn’t care about the Empire, he didn’t care about the Rebellion, and he lived life for himself. Keeping his eyes closed he listened to Kuur’s words. Of course he knew he was right and he knew it would be a good idea, but Zien wouldn’t act like a slave. He didn’t mind having someone else carry his blasters, but the whole slave thing was out of the question. Opening his eyes he let out a very frustrated sigh and stood back up.

Turning his back to the humans that weren’t in his immediate group he unclipped the straps that held his weapon harness on and slipped it off his body. “Alright, somebody can carry my kids, but I won’t be a slave again…ever.” Holding his blasters out to the first person that would take them from his grasp. Zien had already put in his slave time in the form of his payment to Jabba the Hutt on Tantooine. He couldn’t ever put himself back in that state of mind, even if it wasn’t real. His eyes drifted from Kuur, to Kyc’n, then to Ian, and finally resting on Kala as she asked him about his wound.

“It’s fine. And don’t worry about anymore shows, as soon as we make it off Eriadu and I have my babies back I intend on leaving you all to your own devices.” He was not a rebel in their sense of the word and he didn’t plan on being one, not unless there was some sort of monetary value in the picture. Even though he possessed no love for the Emperor, he still wasn’t sold on the fact of risking everything he possessed, including his life against the most powerful man in current existence.

[Kyc'n Mevek]

Kyc'n relaxed seeing the Chiss ease himself out of what could have been a bad course. Reaching his hand out to accept the man's harness. Holding onto it as the ship came to a steady stop the Phelar Port city gates opening to them as the shuttle releases it's passengers.

As the throng of passengers continued out of the space transport Kyc'n removed his own blaster thumb pressing down on the the ejection switch as the e-clip popped out.

" Whether you stay or go. Take it. Not that it will do you much good but holding up the appearance of being armed could help. " He shrugged after slipping on Zien's harness for now. Imperial troopers seemed to be preoccupied none showing any interest towards them until one turned a, " Hey you! " Came out and the man rushed towards them. His blaster lifting up the other behind him following his comrades direction pushing through those getting off the transport.

Kyc'n visibly tensed preparing himself as one hand managed a slight curl and the other straightened already feeling the Force flow into his hand surged up through his palm ready to smash it's way through plastic composite plating and into the soft flesh beneath.

Anyone paying more attention than Force warrior would see though they were headed towards a small blue skinned alien who was walking calmly off the ship. The Jedi padawan would soon catch this himself as they drew nearer the one in the lead more or less giving them a sweep over as he motioned with his thumb at them.

" Check the uglies out. " He said with clear authority. The other Stormtrooper nodding as Kyc'n lowered his guard stepping to the side of the white-armored soldier. The other one having moved to confiscate the blue aliens armaments.

" Hands up blue-boy you too bug eyes. " The trooper motioned, his left hand uprising to speak into his headset. " Watch my back. " Near the front side of the transport two more white clad soldiers headed their way to stand aside and wait while the two nearer soldiers confiscated weapons and inspected the arrivals.

The humans; Kala, Ian and Kyc'n were more or less over-looked. The one who had called Zien blue boy and Kuur bug eyes slinging his blaster over his shoulder motioning with a hand skyward. " Arms up and out to the side. "

" What is going on?" Someone near them asked.

" Alien activists made an attack earlier. "

" Oh I heard about that! How dreadful. "

" Yes it's horrid someone took my Poolkol away from me. "

" Poolkol? Aww that was her name. Darling creature such a beautiful hair color. "

" Yes that hair color cost me a fortune. They don't sell cheap anymore you know. "

" I'll say... I just bought this darling ewok the other day to keep my youngest comp... "

Commotion erupted near them the blue skinned short alien who had his blaster removed was apparently struggling against it's 'assigned' trooper another having joined them the alien face first in the cement soon with a foot in his back; arms being bound behind it's back.

" Dreadful. " One of the voices who'd been talking about their slaves said with a derisive snort. The one near it mimicking the sound.

" I said arms up! " Demanded the trooper as Kuur hesitated having been distracted by the other being arrested his arms though lifted heavenward the blaster of the trooper then leveled on Zien.

[Ian]

Ian quietly watches the Stormtroopers without any comment. His eyes flicks from person to person as he examines his companions. Clearly timing was going to be of the essence here. Doing a quick mental calculation Ian attempts to ascertain the probability of his warrant already being in the system. The holonet is fast, but just how fast depends on the speed the information is placed into the computers. It is possible that the information concerning himself isn't yet present and he is still free from the wrath of the Empire for his various criminal enterprises. Making up his mind he decides on a course of action that hopefully will prevent violence. Everything he knows to this point tells him that his new found companions aren't likely the sort to react quietly and calmly to these unfolding series of events.

It is with this in mind that he attempts a bluff. It is a simple bluff, but it plays on the Imperial point of view concerning non-humans. Alien species typically are viewed as only fit for slaves. It is possible that the Stormtroopers can be convinced that these Aliens are in the employ of a member of the Imperial Government. Even though he is wearing his civilian clothing he still possesses a formal appearing piece of identification still hanging around his neck. Reaching up he places his hand over the prominent label that clearly displays his name. He then steps forward as he holds up the identification badge. In a deep full voice he says, "Gentlemen. I'd greatly appreciate you not harass my tailistants. You can unhand them or I will have no choice but to report you to my direct supervisor Grand Moff Tarkin."

Ian full well knows that the Imperial Engineer's Corp isn't what the average person thinks of when they visualize the fury and might of the Imperial Government. However, he does have a good idea how the government works. He has worked for the Imperial Government in excess of fifteen years. His story, while a total fabrication, has enough elements of plausibility that it could possibly work. Engineers are detached on assignment to all parts of the Empire. Just under an hour ago he was on detached assignment to a planetary government. In his own mind his chances of success are slim, but given his companions tendency to draw their pistols at everything that moves he would rather make at least one attempt at averting a full on firefight.

[Zien]

Zien didn't realldy care what happened to these people after they parted ways, but until then he was stuck with them. Wincing visibly as Kyc'n took his guns he dropped his hands empty to his sides, feeling naked without them. "Take care of my kids, they are very precious to me." A soft trickle of laugher escaped his lips as he turned and started out of the transporter. He could see the Imperials and the first thought that came to his mind was run, or reach around snag a blaster and do the damn thing. No, he had to be cool. They didn't know who he was and they had no clue what he had done, they were looking for someone else.

All of his positive thinking came to an abrupt halt as one of the Stormtroopers told him to put his hands up and to the side. Well he assumed it was him who he was talking about seeing that he was the only "blue boy" around at the time. An almost inaudible "poodoo" whispered its way out of his lips and he slowly started to raise his hands up in there air. kark they were caught and Zien started to count the seconds it would take for the Stormtroopers to start shooting. They might not shoot Kala since she seemed more of a diplomat and they would probably question her, but a scoundrel alien like Zien? He had a big blue cross hair on his skin.

Of course the option of reaching for his blasters came to his mind, but he remembered that they weren't there and Kyc'n had them. poodoo! What a time to take them off! Looking around and then back at the Stormtroopers he shook his head ever so slightly and decided to play it cool. Maybe he could talk his way out of this, or bluff his way out. The wheels were turning and just as he was about to speak Ian did it for him. Looking at the Stormtroopers again he prayed that Ian's bluff would get them out of the sticky situation that they had landed in.

[Kyc'n Mevek]

" Your kids are safe. They won't even get touched. " Kyc'n assured the Gunslinger. He was skilled enough with a blaster; could use one fairly well but it was not his preference or area of expertise. Zien had already witnessed this first hand. As he had Zien's talent with these 'toys'. His instructor Theta would be highly impressed with the Chiss.

Stormtrooper 1 paused as he was about to pat down Zien looking from the blue-skinned man then to Ian. Ignoring the arrest being made not more than twenty feet away. His hand lifted up to observe the Galactic Empire I.D. the man presented. " You're an Engineer from Kwervon... and your supervisor is Grand Moff Tarkin? " The man asked looking from him to Stormtrooper 2.

" Don't look like engineering assistants to me. " The second one gave his observation.

" No they don't do they. " Said the first.

" Why are you here then? " He inquired of Ian. Kyc'n moving away from the small group adding distance between himself and his companions. His eyes ran over all of them before he turned and walked casually departing the transport offload area to where the gates opened to Phelar Port streets to his left the ice-laden waterway covered in pollutants ran loudly. Natural, and perhaps once beautiful but now rather disgusting. Figuring if anything he and perhaps Kala since she didn't draw attention to herself could escape; not wanting the attention that the others were getting at the moment knowing it would hit them if they stood around gawking. Suddenly becoming curious as to why Ian was risking his neck for the two aliens.

Not that he wouldn't but for the newcomer to do so perplexed him.

Kuur looked at Kala then made motion towards Kyc'n with the slight tipping of his head as the Stormtroopers began speaking to each other distracted.

" I don't know. Maybe we should call it in? " Asked trooper 1.

Trooper 2 shrugged. " I could call over the Sarge. " He replied. The other shaking his helmeted head back and forth slowly.

[Ian]

Ian face grows very hard. Breathing in slowly with a harsh rasp of air that radiates rage he stares directly at the helmet of the stormtrooper in front of him. In hard even tones, showing the fury of man being detained on his appointed rounds, he tucks his ID badge down under his shirt and then takes out his data-pad and activates it. Glaring at the storm troopers he says, "Your names, ranks, and identification numbers now. I also will want the name of your direct superior officer."

Whilst taping on the data-pad and waits for his response he forcefully launches into the rest of his bluff. He says, "My orders are of absolutely no concern to you. These two worthless retches are the sorry bastards I use to flush reactor cores. Do you bloody well think I'm going inside of one of those radioactive hellholes when I can get a damn Alien to do it for me?" Upon completion of the deliverance of his speech he continues to glare at the two storm troopers. Outside he is a vertible volcano of anger, but on the inside he begins to rapidly question the wisdom of aidng this group. It only now occurs to him that he easily could have slipped away into the crowd and made his own way off this miserable planet.

[Zien]

His eyes didn’t leave the Stormtroopers, not even when Ian went into his ran about sending them down radioactive hellholes, in a different situation it might have brought a smile to his lips. The last thing he needed to do was put himself in a position where they thought he was suspicious, but if Ian’s bluff didn’t pay off they were all going to be in that position. Except for Kala and Kyc’n who were far enough away to look like they had no idea what was going on, and were definitely were not involved with this alien rabble. Damn, he wished he could just blast his way out of this situation, but he knew he couldn’t.

Kyc’n was to far away for him to grab a blaster quick enough to gun down both of the Stormtroopers before they blasted him into oblivion. All he was hoping is that they didn’t pat him down. If they roughly felt around his torso and hit the blaster wound it was likely that they were going to feel the bandage through his clothing and he would probably wince even though he would be trying not to. His eyes stayed forward and he kept his hands up making no motions or anything, his expression was blank and he was hoping that at least he would make it out of this without anymore holes in his body.

[Kyc'n Mevek]

Trooper 1 stepped forward visor plate level with Ian's eyes as he waved his blaster point about. " Just calm down there Tech-head. " The other trooper put motioned with his head. " Being called back. Leave them. Not worth the wasted time. "

1 Looked towards 2 then back at Ian. " Consider yourself lucky. Orders from Tarkin or not. " Both turned with the plastic clicking of armor they strode off leaving the group of travelers to their own devices again. Kyc'n waiting calmly out front of the transport dump off bay.

Kuur released a, " Whew. We need to get go now. This is already turning not good. " A hand wiped over his forehead before he strode after Kala not bothering to check on Ian or Zien to see if they followed. If here was the place they were to part paths they would. Otherwise they'd be right up with them. " To the Kut-kut. " He said loudly to Kala as he drew nearer.

[Kimimela]

Leaning against the interior cargo support at the rear of her Theta-class shuttle Kimimela stared out at the docking bay, various ships landed and departed, none of which held the gaggle of passengers that would be her charges. A transport then landed, looking like a transfer from the spaceport, as it landed Kim called over her shoulder to Lynk," I think they are finally here.". The softened scrap of the droids wheels held her attention, mood lifting as the possibility of her waitings end.

Several humans, and a few non-humans exited the ship, those that were not Kim knew wouldn't hold much worth on this planet, except for slaving, she slightly pitied those that weren't human-appearing, they'd find themselves in captivity without the proper registration. Just as she predicted the small crowd of humans, and non, were approached by a jeering Stormtrooper, quickly followed by his buddy. Another thing she wasn't all too comfortable with, all though she knew how to handle Imperial Guards, Kimimela perfered not to get involved with their affairs, and avoided any excessive scrutiny by providing registration for all her legal transports.

The illegal ones, Kim kept hidden carefully under the accessable floorboards of her shuttle, in an area of this ship that wouldn't attract attention of the normally well searched cargo area. If the small notch was spotted, it was commonly misconstrued as an access panel to the ships electrical components for maintainence, most times it was covered by excess netting and didn't catch the Guards eyes during routine inspections. Almost too self conscious to watch the spectical the small crowd of passengers were attracting from the Troopers, Kim stood stock still affraid she might be noticed. A thrum of vibration in her concealed gift told her someone in the area also possessed the use of the power she'd been born with, the Force, as she was once taught, it's proper name.

Her usually unconscious ability to hide her own possession of the Force slipped slight by her control, leaking from beyond her inner grasp almost beckoning the other user to look around so she could see who it may be. Bottling it up as fast as she allowed it's presence known she welled it up inside once more, before the general direction could be pin-pointed. Hoping to herself as the last of the other passengers dispersed in their own general directions, that this remaining few were not Kim's passengers to be, that she'd been impatiently pacing her ship for.

Lynk chimed in behind her as he too witnessed the scene with the Troopers, "They match the description of the job Kim.", simple words spoken in a mechanical tone sunk deep in her mind driving a rather unpleasant snort of disgust from the back of her shuttle not but approximately a hundred meters off from the spectical. Watching what she could see, yet not hear over the everyday bustle of the port, the Stormtroopers headed off in their own direction, still didn't put Kim's mind at easy about these possibly being her charges.